The Dos And Don’Ts Of Curing Concrete Driveway
When you’re planning to pour a concrete driveway, you have to factor in a lot of variables. You need to make sure the soil is properly compacted before pouring, and then protect the newly-formed surface from water loss so that it hardens properly. Concrete takes several days to fully cure, which means that it needs plenty of moisture and shade while its molecules lock together into solid rock. Follow these tips below for curing concrete driveway safely and effectively!
Do Keep The Garage Door Open
Keeping the garage door open will allow for airflow and prevent moisture buildup. If you keep the garage door closed, moisture may condense on the floor, which can lead to stains and permanent damage.
Do Cover The Concrete With Plastic
Cover your concrete with plastic to help it retain moisture. Place a large sheet of plastic over the concrete, taping down the edges with duct tape so that it doesn’t blow away. Leave this cover for a few days or until you see no more bubbles forming on the surface of your driveway.
In addition to using plastic cover, as mentioned above, you can also use a wetting agent when spraying water onto your driveway after it has been poured and cured. It will help keep the concrete from cracking by allowing it to retain more water during its curing process.
Do Park The Driveway That’s Curing For Extra Weight
If you have a driveway, and you want to keep it from drying out, park on it. The weight of your car will help the concrete cure quicker and longer.
Park as close to the house as possible, and make sure that part of your driveway is getting shade throughout the day.
Don’t Let A Concrete Driveway Dry Out Too Quickly
It is important to keep the concrete moist while it dries. A good way to do this is by using a sprinkler, that way you can ensure that all the concrete gets wet. Another good method of keeping moisture in your driveway during curing is spraying it with a water hose.
Don’t Walk On The Driveway Before It’s Fully Cured
You don’t have to wait until the entire driveway is finished to start using it, but to be careful not to walk on the concrete while it’s wet or damp. If you do, you’ll risk cracking and staining the surface. In addition, if you step on a wet area, a thin layer of concrete could get pulled away from underneath. It can also cause cracking and staining.
Don’t Apply Epoxy Or Paint Until Curing Is Complete
Don’t apply epoxy or paint until curing is complete. As mentioned above, the first 48 hours after pouring concrete are critical to the strength of your new driveway. That’s why it is not recommended to use an epoxy sealant until at least 24 hours after initial application and usually 48-72 hours later depending on weather conditions. Epoxy can trap moisture in the concrete and cause it to crack or fail prematurely.
Don’t Use Salt On New Concrete
Salt can severely damage your new concrete. Then what is the safest ice melter for concrete? Safe Thaw contains no salt or calcium chloride and is the safest ice melter for concrete surfaces. Safe Thaw is a urea-modified product with special surfactants, glycols, ice melting boosters, and inhibitors. It reduces the risk of any injury caused by slipping, skidding, or falling on ice. The quick-acting ingredients are ideal for pre-application and post-application on snow and icy surfaces
You can apply Safe Thaw to driveways, sidewalks, and steps to help prevent dangerous falls on icy surfaces.
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Conclusion
The key to curing concrete driveway is moisture and shade. The moisture helps the concrete cure, and the shade slows down drying so it doesn’t crack or crumble. The temperature of the air also plays a role in how fast your driveway dries out. It can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 8 weeks for a new concrete driveway to cure fully, depending on how well you manage its moisture content and exposure to sunlight during these critical periods. Also, remember to use Safe Thaw – the safest ice melter for concrete driveways for elongated life.
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